Daniel, 2 years old.

Yesterday, Daniel turned two. He is a bright ray of sunshine. He is expressive and loves laughing. When he signs thank you, he blows a kiss. He is quick to shake hands and give out hugs.

He has a lot of love in him to spread.

He gets mad sometimes and tries to scream and although he is usually very loud in all other things, his scream is so contained and quiet.

He has been slow to talk and prefers to tug me around the house and point instead. We are both frustrated by this.

A couple of months ago he started to want to sleep with Max’s lovey, James the dog (we bought two identitical stuffed dog animals and buried one with James), and was frustrated that he didn’t have his own. I pulled out our meager assortment of stuffed animals (not many survived the purge of 2013) and he selected a hippo that someone else had given to Max after James died. To say my heart surged when I realized the connection is an understatement. I am so happy they both have a lovey they cling to at night that is connected to James.

“Hippo” is also one of the few words he willingly offers up.

Danny has taken up the hobby of removing his socks and shoes as much as possible. His feet have plumped up and my theory is that all shoes feel tight. He wanders a majority of the time barefoot and free. Anytime he steps on something he sits down to investigate the bottom of his foot (he is well aware of what slivers “owies” are by this point) and notify me if anything is awry.

He loves his scooter and rides it around our back patio constantly. For a long time he just pushed it backwards like some tiny toddler walker and still does it often.

He has an epic scowl with a full eyebrow furrow. This is how he lets you know he is displeased that things are not going his way.

They refer to a baby born after loss as a rainbow baby and I would say that Daniel fits that bill perfectly. He provides so much reassurance of God’s love and grace. He is a constant reminder that there is good in this world. Whenever the news gets me down I just put down my phone and stare at his and his infectious smile. His excitement for everything is contagious.